SANDRA HALL CONNER

Sandra Hall Conner, 72, of Gloucester, graduated to her heavenly home on Dec. 28, 2012.

She was the daughter of the late Leonard Douglas and Jerriene Prater Hall. In a loving family of five, during the war years she gladly shared with Jerry, Deene and even neighborhood friends the few toys that she could call her own. In her teen years, she was supportive and protective of her younger brother and sister, cheering their successes and protecting them from foes or by just keeping a secret. Before graduating the Class of 1958 from Warwick High School, through her study and appreciation of music she became a respected member of the Warwick High School Grenadier band where she enjoyed playing a clarinet, oboe, and bagpipes.

When work was necessary to help the families make ends meet, she worked at VEPCO in Newport News and later "Punch and Judy" children’s clothing shop. More recently, she worked in the office of the Gloucester County School Board, she enjoyed the years she was the secretary for the Community Education office in Gloucester County, and finally she retired as the Assistant to the Gloucester County Administrator.

On Dec. 30, 1960, Sandra Hall married her only love, David R. Conner. As newlyweds they made a happy home in Hampton where they started a family with Sherri, Douglas and Michael.

Moving from the city in 1976 into a waterfront home in Achilles, she enjoyed boating and fishing in the York River with her family. As her appreciation of the ocean, bays, and rivers grew, so did her appetite for more beaches and the perfect suntan. She started taking annual vacation trips to Captiva Island, Fla., and then Cancun to be closer to the sun, white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.

Moving to a waterfront home in Clay Bank, overlooking the York River, she would continue to be active on the water, fishing, boating, and taking afternoon rides on the Waverunner.

Known as "Grammie" to Jessi, CeeJay and "Fireman" Dave, she watched over and raised another loving family. As a friend, she accepted Holland Hart "like a son."

She also enjoyed bowling, beachcombing, reading a good book, her little red sports car, NASCAR, sending email and greeting cards to friends and relatives, Jessi’s jokes, Dave’s stories, CeeJay’s sarcasm, and every sunset.

As a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, relative and friend we agree she was quick with a smile, never too busy for a hug, and an inspiration to us all.

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. Kenneth Waclo and the Rev. William Ricketts Jr. were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at Bellamy United Methodist Church, Gloucester, Va. Interment followed in Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton, Va. The family received friends Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point, Va.